HEATH: The Secrets Of Coffee

A good solid morning "cup of Joe" can set you up for the day. It can give you the steady caffeine kick you need to not fall asleep at the desk by 9:30. It can also engage your mind a lot quicker than you had anticipated after staying up until 2am binging on Netflix. Coffee is one of the world's most consumed drink, but what is the story behind it? Where did it come from, what makes it so popular, and of course, is it good for you?

Photo Courtesy of: Pixabay

The History Of Coffee

This is perhaps the most interesting part of our beloved cup of hot black coffee. Originating in the 10th century, and it is believed coffee originated in Ethiopia. Not too difficult to believe considering how many of our coffee beans comes from Africa. In England, coffee became available to purchase in the 16th century, probably because of the relationship between England and India from where it was imported. English coffee houses became such a beacon of hope, a place to meet, celebrate and regenerate. By 1675, more than 3000 coffee houses were built in England, which even then is a signifcant amount of shops...today, we spend over £7.9 billion a year on coffee as a nation. As we know there are a huge amount of different types of coffee bean, and each one produces a distinct different taste. Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica.

The Facts - Is Coffee Good For You?

There is much speculation about this and so many diverse answers. Yes. The caffeine in coffee can potentially reduce your risk of dementia and even heart disease, yet it is also said that coffee can cause other issues for you such as anxiety and palpitations, but this can be easily extinguished by opting for a decaf option. Coffee is in essence, a drink full of benefits. Whether we choose to drink it with full fat milk, bubbly cream, almond milk or soy milk, coffee can help with a number of obstacles. It can help with concentration levels, it can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, it is also packed full of all these vitamins:

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 11% of the RDA.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): 6% of the RDA

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 2% of the RDA

Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 2% of the RDA

Folate: 1% of the RDA.

Manganese: 3% of the RDA.

Potassium: 3% of the RDA.

Magnesium: 2% of the RDA.

Phosphorus: 1% of the RDA.

So there are the facts. However, like anything in life, the key to making coffee work for you is drinking it in moderation. If you do opt for coffee, as millions of us do, make sure you drink it down with a glass of ice water, in order to combat the dehydration that coffee bestows upon our bodies! Coffee can be an enjoyable experience, whether it is sipping on a hot latte with a friend, or sitting down in your kitchen with your newspaper, and loading up your trendy coffee machines with your pods to enjoy over breakfast or making that mid morning coffee whilst you sift through emails, coffee will always be a drink that unites people, and it will always be a drink that is sought after. Of course it always helps when you have the right tools and accessories to make your coffee with! There's always a machine to cater to your needs and taste and always find they are a must have! Which coffee machine do you prefer?

Photo Courtesy of: Pixabay

Here are some fun and helpful links to find out more about coffee and why it is such a fantastic modern day drink! History of Coffee click here.